I left The Cottage early, having had to scrape a thick layer of ice from the van windscreen, but by midday was in t-shirts, basking in the sunshine at Barmouth Slabs.
After meeting Wally, Andi and J at the beach, we drove up the hill a bit and enjoyed a sunny walk up to the base of the clifs. The tide was out, by the estuary looked incredible in the morning sunshine. The top of Cader Idris was clear in the distance too.
We got established at the far end of the crag, where an attractive crack line was fully in the sun. With almost no breeze and having hiking uphill for fifteen minutes we were well warmed up and ready to go.
Rather than walk back down from the panoramic top of the climb, Andi managed to blag a 'free ride' back down to the base of the cliff on the abseil rope of an instructor who was set up nearby! Bonus! - Thank you Jordan! The sun left the rock face just after two, so we retreated to a nearby boulder for a late lunch where we could bask in the warm of the sun and the glory of our achievements.
In fine picnic style, Walter produced some porcelain mugs and we brewed up some herbal tea to go with lunch. It was a great spot and a great moment. And to think we were almost going to go down to town for lunch!...
By the time we'd been fed and watered, clouds had begun to haze over the sky, but the views remained impressive.
Down at the beach, we got stuck into a serious tippy-toes session. I say we, but I was rather less inclined to take off my thermal socks and shoes! Finished the day with a meal in town before heading back up north in the dark...
Barmouth Slabs:
- Crack 2 (Diff)*
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